A - 01 Baseline Executive Functioning and Mood in Older Adults before a Remote Physical Exercise Training Program

Abstract

ObjectivePhysical exercise shows benefits to executive functioning (EF), a cognitive process that is relevant to goal-directed planning, application of complex rules, and dynamic control of action. However, many older adults have not engaged in exercise due to social distancing measures implemented to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. The present study aims to administer a remote physical exercise training program to older adults in Canada and examine its effects on EF and mood, beginning with the collection of the following baseline data.MethodsSo far, nine older adults (78% females, 66–78 years-old) have completed a remote assessment that examines current physical exercise engagement, Covid-related distress, general mood, and executive behavior. In addition, the assessment included computerized tasks measuring various aspects of EF. Pattern analyses were used to characterize trends in baseline data.Results67% of participants reported undergoing no moderate-vigorous physical exercise in a typical week. Compared to other participants, more individuals in this subgroup performed at a lower rate on a higher-order EF task (i.e., the Balloon Analogue Risk Task). Similarly, more participants who endorsed higher Covid-related psychological distress performed worse in the same task compared to others (40% in the lower third of performance vs. 0%), and also endorsed more difficulties with organization.ConclusionsThese results suggest that those who do not engage in physical exercise are potential candidates to experience the mental health and cognitive benefits of a physical exercise training program.